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Assessment of Entrance Lobby Design and Its Influence on User Experience in Public Buildings

Abstract

Entrance lobbies serve as important transitional spaces that connect the external environment with the internal functions of public buildings. They provide users with their first physical and visual encounter with a building and can strongly influence perceptions of comfort, accessibility, orientation, and overall quality. Poorly designed lobbies may create confusion, congestion, inadequate waiting conditions, and difficulties in locating important destinations. Assessing entrance lobby design is therefore essential for improving the experience of users in public buildings. This study assesses key architectural characteristics of entrance lobbies and their influence on user experience in public buildings. Factors such as lobby size, spatial configuration, entrance location, circulation patterns, visibility of reception areas, seating provision, lighting, ventilation, materials, and signage are considered. The assessment examines how these design elements contribute to functional efficiency and the ability of users to understand and navigate the building. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the entrance lobby and adjoining spaces. The study further considers the role of spatial organization in supporting user orientation and movement. Clear sightlines, identifiable circulation routes, appropriate zoning, visual landmarks, and strategically positioned reception or information points can assist users in understanding the building's internal arrangement. The relationship between pedestrian movement, waiting areas, access control points, and major circulation routes is also examined to determine how effectively the lobby accommodates different categories of users. In addition to functional considerations, the assessment examines environmental and psychological factors that influence user experience. Natural and artificial lighting, thermal conditions, acoustic quality, interior finishes, colour schemes, spatial proportions, and visual openness can affect perceptions of comfort, safety, and welcome. The study also considers accessibility for elderly users, persons with disabilities, children, and other users with varying mobility requirements. These factors are evaluated as interconnected components of an inclusive entrance environment. Challenges affecting entrance lobby performance may include inadequate space, poor circulation planning, insufficient seating, unclear signage, limited accessibility provisions, excessive noise, poor lighting, and conflicts between incoming and outgoing pedestrian flows. Such deficiencies can reduce operational efficiency and create negative perceptions of public buildings. Understanding these challenges can support the development of practical design improvements that respond to the functional requirements and diverse needs of building users. The study aims to establish the relationship between entrance lobby design characteristics and user experience in public buildings. Its findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects and building professionals in planning entrance spaces that promote clear orientation, efficient circulation, accessibility, comfort, and positive first impressions. The study contributes to user-centred public building design by emphasizing the entrance lobby as an important architectural space that influences how people perceive, navigate, and interact with public facilities.

Keywords: Entrance lobby, public buildings, user experience, spatial organization, user orientation, circulation design, accessibility, wayfinding, reception areas, waiting spaces, environmental comfort, interior design, inclusive design, public architecture.